Schizophrenia linked to excess hydrogen sulfide in the brain

Using schizophrenia-associated and unrelated mouse strains, the team found through a whole proteomics analysis that schizophrenia was associated with an increase in MPST protein, an enzyme that produces hydrogen sulfideIn addition, analysis of human samples also showed that the brain of schizophrenic patients produced excessive hydrogen sulfideThe study also found that the level of expression of MPST protein in the brain after death was associated with the severity of clinical symptoms during lifeThe expression of the MPST gene in hair is expected to act as a highly sensitive biomarkerThe persistent excess production of hydrogen sulfide may be due to the brain's customized response to inflammation and oxidative stress during developmentThe results also show that excessive hydrogen sulfide production can lead to reduced energy metabolism and dendritic pressure, which increases the risk of schizophrenia.